[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 83 (Friday, May 28, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1012]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                RECOGNITION OF AMBASSADOR OLEH SHAMSHUR

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. MARCY KAPTUR

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                          Friday, May 28, 2010

  Ms. KAPTUR. Madam Speaker, on behalf of the people of the United 
States, please let me express appreciation to Ukraine's Ambassador to 
the United States, his Excellency Oleh Shamshur.
  Since his appointment in December of 2005, he has worked tirelessly 
to strengthen ties between our two countries. As a co-chair of the 
Congressional Ukrainian Caucus, I have had the distinct pleasure of 
working closely with the Ambassador.
  Ambassador Shamshur was integral in the re-establishment of normal 
trade relations between our countries and the signing of the Trade and 
Investment Cooperation Agreement. With his help the United States and 
Ukraine signed an Agreement on Strategic Cooperation in December 2008, 
which has fostered democratic growth, transparency, and freedom in 
Ukraine. In addition, it has established goals to cooperate on concrete 
issues such as military, energy, and scientific cooperation. During the 
Ambassador's tenure great steps were taken to strengthen Ukraine's 
energy security and ensure its progress towards European integration.
  Ambassador Shamshur worked with the Ukrainian-American community to 
ensure that the victims of the 1932-33 famine-genocide were given the 
honor they deserve. He understands that history demands truth. Properly 
securing a nation's past positions it forward to the future--an 
important undertaking often undervalued by diplomats and leaders. In 
addition, he has taken steps to grow Ukrainian-American exchange 
programs in order to promote democratic values and strengthen the bond 
between our two nations.
  We wish him, his wife Tetiana, and his daughter Tetiana all the best 
as their journey continues. I know Dr. Shamshur will continue to help 
Ukraine achieve the democratic freedoms she has fought for since 
achieving her independence from the Soviet Union in 1991. He is a 
wonderful representative of Ukraine and her people, a good friend, and 
a true statesman. Thank you, Ambassador Shamshur, for your service.

                          ____________________